CBS, Viacom considering possible leadership roles for post-merger company

Merger talks between CBS and Viacom are heating up and the companies are also focusing on how the leadership team might look afterward, reports Variety.

Bob Bakish is likely to be the CEO of the new combined entity.

However, sources tell Variety that the company may get rid of the corporate level COO position, which means filling the two spot in the C-suite has become a sensitive issue.

No offers or decisions have been made yet, Variety reports.

Also in play is the makeup of the combined companies’ boards — though initial signals seem to indicate the CBS “side” may gain a few seats.

Joe Ianniello, who took over CBS after Leslie Moonves’ exit, will likely continue to manage the most of the current CBS assets post-merger.

Meanwhile, there is growing speculation that Wade Davis, Viacom’s CFO, will exit the company after the merger.